Peace on Earth...

...especially during the Christmas Pageant

Well, the annual Christmas Pageant is in its final stages of preparation. Once again, those haunting carols will bring to life the age-old story of Bethlehem as the angels and shepherds of our own Kindergarten re-enact the mystery of Christ’s birth. Staged in the sanctuary of the church, the Christmas Pageant stands as one of the most beloved of our school traditions. I bet you didn’t know this, but it would be physically impossible to fit all our children and parents into St. James’ Episcopal Church without violating every safety code known to God and the fire marshal! During my first year at St. James’, several parents and teachers offered me their perspectives on what to do to avoid the harrowing scenes of Christmases past with irate parents jockeying for seats several hours ahead of the pageant. And so, that year we piloted a new plan that allowed comfortable seating in the Church for some, while accommodating others even more comfortably in the Parish Hall. Miraculously, the change worked well, and now it, too, has become a beloved Christmas tradition at St. James’.

So, this week, you will receive via Backpack Express two tickets that must be presented at the door on the night of the pageant. Here's how it works...

Announcements

See's Candies Holiday Fundraiserfor the 6th Grade Graduation CommitteeDo you want to make the holidays a bit sweeter for anyone on your gift list (yourself included)? We have the perfect solution: the 6th-graders bring you a See's Candies sale. Flyers and order forms went home via Backpack Express last Friday. Please return them no later than this Friday, December 11. Your order will be ready the following week.

Photo Galleries & Media

Reminders

Community Gathering RescheduledPlease note the change in date of the December Community Gathering, which will take place at its regular time (8:15–9:00 a.m.) on Friday, December 11, instead of December 4. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused by this change.

Free Christmas Trees!If you'd like a free Christmas tree this year, you can enter your child's name into a lottery to win one of five Christmas trees that will grace the stage during the Christmas Pageant. Submit your name (only once, please!) to the box in the office any time between December 1 and 14. The winners will be selected during the last rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant in Chapel on Wednesday morning, December 15. Trees should be picked up outside the school no later than 5:00 p.m.on Thursday, December 16.